Government of Canada Supports Establishment of World Headquarters of International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association in Montreal

MONTRÉAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Nov. 13, 2012) - The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, announces that the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association (IFALPA) has been granted funding, through Montréal International, to move its headquarters from London to Montréal and set up its new offices.

"The establishment in Montréal of the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Association is important news for the economy. The presence of this organization will help consolidate Canadian expertise in civil aviation on the international stage," said Minister Lebel.

IFALPA, founded in 1948 in the wake of the creation of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), represents more than 100,000 pilots from around the world. Dedicated to promoting the highest level of aviation safety and providing representation, support and services to its member associations, IFALPA has 12 standing committees that develop programs, policies and information documents on various issues such as safety, dangerous goods, and accident analysis and prevention.

"Our government believes in the importance of working, in conjunction with local economic stakeholders, to further the development and prosperity of Greater Montréal. Montréal International, through its ongoing work with international organizations, plays an undeniable role in the economic growth of the region," the Minister added.

IFALPA's establishment near ICAO, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Airports Council International (ACI) will make Montréal the only city where the key civil aviation organizations are centralized. The relocation of IFALPA from London to Montréal will generate an estimated $2.7 million in annual economic spinoffs and lead to the creation of 11 full-time jobs.

Since its creation, Montréal International (MI) has played a part in attracting $8.7 billion in foreign direct investment and creating and maintaining some 47,000 jobs in the region. To date, it has contributed to the establishment of half of the 60 or so international organizations now headquartered in the city. MI is the product of a public-private partnership among the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), City of Montréal, Government of Canada, Government of Quebec, and the private sector.

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This funding, granted in the form of a $166,667 non-repayable contribution, has been awarded through Canada Economic Development's Quebec Economic Development Program.

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